On January 25th, at approximately 7:36pm, an unfortunate single vehicle accident occurred at the entrance to the Canterbury Apartment Complex located in the 8400 block of Pahs road. The accident caused a widespread power outage throughout the southern portion of Michigan City. Upon initial arrival, officers discovered a heavily damaged vehicle located resting on the shoulder of the roadway just west of the apartment complex driveway. Officers soon learned that the sole occupant had been ejected from the vehicle during the violent collision. Despite immediate rescue efforts, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that the gray 2000 Volkswagen Passat was traveling westbound on Pahs Road at a high rate of speed when it drifted off the shoulder of the roadway striking two NIPSCO utility poles and a brick pillar before coming to a rest in front of the apartment complex. The driver was identified as a 17-year-old Michigan City High school student, his name is being withheld at the request of the family.
As a result of the collision, NIPSCO crews worked throughout the night and into the early morning hours to restore power to the affected area and attempt to open the roadway prior to early school arrival. Chief Mark Swistek and staff are deeply saddened over this tragic accident and express our sincere condolences to the family. Lieutenant Jeff Loniewski, commander of our traffic division is continuing to investigate the cause of this collision.